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Catherine Zeta-Jones is cast in 'Rock of Ages,' has 'no shame' about bipolar II treatment

April 20, 2011 | 11:58
am

Catherine Zeta-Jones has been cast in "Rock of Ages," taking on a role created specifically for musical's movie version starring Tom Cruise.

Zeta-Jones, who recently revealed she'd sought treatment for bipolar II disorder, did the musical thing in the 2002 movie version of "Chicago," taking home the supporting actress Oscar for her efforts.

Regarding her bipolar II diagnosis, "This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them," the 41-year-old actress told People. "If my revelation ... has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it.

"There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help," she said. Bipolar II is characterized by long periods of depression punctuated by episodes of mild mania.

Sounds like silence won't be an issue for her in "Rock of Ages": Zeta-Jones' character could be the "love child" of Tipper Gore and Anita Bryant, director Adam Shankman told the Hollywood Reporter.

"She is this hard-core, Moral Majority arch-conservative who wants to shut down rock 'n' roll in the great city of Los Angeles," Shankman said, adding that in the last month or so the new role "was invented to streamline the stories."

Other famous names lined up for the film: Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, Mary J. Blige and Julianne Hough, who plays the small-town girl at the center of the story set in Hollywood's 1980s music scene.

"Ages" is scheduled to start filming in mid-May in Miami, with a 2012 release planned.

Photo: For her services to the film industry and to charity, the newest "Rock of Ages" cast member, Catherine Zeta-Jones, was made a Commander of the British Empire by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace in London on Feb. 24, 2010. Credit: John Stillwell / EPA